Korean Scientists and Engineers Gather Worldwide to Discuss Expanding Global Research Collaboration in the AI Era
Opening of the World Conference of Korean Scientists and Engineers: Seeking Cooperation Strategies in the Era of Technological Hegemony
Jinwoo Cheon of Yonsei University Receives Top Scientist Award with 300 Million KRW Prize
A platform has been established to bring together Korean scientists and engineers from around the world to discuss ways to expand global research collaboration in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). Amid intensifying technological hegemony competition, the event aims to explore cooperation strategies that connect overseas researcher networks to strengthen national research and development (R&D) competitiveness.
The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on July 7 that it held the "2026 World Conference of Korean Scientists and Engineers" at the Korea Science and Technology Center in Seoul. The event was co-hosted by the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies and 20 overseas Korean scientists and engineers associations.
Held under the theme "A New Paradigm of Science and Technology Cooperation in the Global AI Era," this conference brought together Korean scientists and engineers from home and abroad, as well as government officials, to discuss changes in the research environment brought about by the AI transition and ways to expand international collaborative research.
Discussion on Strategies for Science and Technology Cooperation in the AI Era
The opening ceremony featured a welcoming speech by Kwon Onam, President of the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies, and a congratulatory address by Koo Hyukchae, First Vice Minister of Science and ICT, followed by a commemorative performance with representatives from overseas Korean scientists and engineers associations. Participants delivered a message emphasizing the expansion of global research collaboration based on Korean science and technology networks worldwide.
This was followed by a keynote lecture from Cha Miyeong, Director at the Max Planck Institute, and a presentation by Oh Daehyun, Director General for Future Strategy and Technology Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, introducing major government science and technology policies, including the K-Moonshot Project.
The talk concert, held under the theme "The Science and Technology Agenda as Seen by Global Scholars in the Great AI Transformation Era," discussed how AI is changing research methods and the structure of international cooperation, the role of science and technology diplomacy in the age of technological hegemony, and ways to leverage the Korean scientist and engineer network.
Professor Jinwoo Cheon Receives Top Scientist Award
In the afternoon, the "2026 Republic of Korea Top Scientist Award" ceremony was also held.
The award was presented to Jinwoo Cheon, Distinguished Underwood Professor at Yonsei University, in recognition of pioneering research in nanomagnetogenetics and his contribution to the advancement of precision diagnosis and treatment technologies. Professor Cheon received a presidential commendation and a prize of 300 million KRW.
Professor Cheon was recognized for being the first in the world to introduce nanomagnetogenetics technology, which remotely controls neuronal activity in animals, and for leading the development of nano-bio diagnostic technologies such as ultra-fast nano PCR and ultra-high-resolution nano MRI.
On the second day of the conference, sessions will continue under the theme of expanding science and technology policies and international cooperation platforms for sustainable growth. Topics include strategies for utilizing overseas talent, promoting AI-based regional innovation, and activating exchanges among the next generation of scientists and engineers. Related events will also be held, such as the World Korean Women Scientists Forum and the General Assembly of the World Korean Scientists and Engineers Council.
Hot Picks Today
"Two Eggs for Breakfast, My Protein" The Betrayal of Soft-Boiled Eggs...In July, Always Eat Them Hard-Boiled
- '3,200 Laid Off' in Unprecedented Restructuring: Big Tech Struggles as Gaming Divisions Prove Unprofitable
- "My Account Is Melting" "Can I Even Recover My Principal?"... Single-Stock Leverage Falls Below Listing Price
- How Did This Happen? Pakistan Hospital Under Investigation as 78 Children Contract HIV, Suspected Syringe Reuse
- "I Spent 28 Billion Won and Even Received My Son's Plasma to Avoid Aging... But Was Diagnosed with an Incurable Disease"
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyunghoon said, "In a situation where the great AI transformation and technological hegemony competition are intensifying, science and technology cooperation is expanding beyond national borders. We will actively support Korean scientists and engineers worldwide so they can serve as bridges between Korea and the world, growing as key players in global research collaboration and talent mobility."
© The Asia Business Daily. All rights reserved. Unauthorized AI training and use prohibited.
